Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Your financing services questions, answered.
We welcome questions and are always happy to address them. In over two and a half decades of asking and answering questions, we have found that about 95% of inquiries are centered around the same prevailing questions and misconceptions—which is why we have addressed them below.
It is very likely that your questions or concerns will all be addressed in our questions and answers section. However, if after you have carefully reviewed the questions and answers you still have unanswered factoring questions, please feel free to reach out to us during our normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday–Friday. Or, send us an email, fax, or letter any time.
Please click on the specific area of your question to review the various responses. For definitions of terms, please see our glossary.
Please click on the specific area of your question to review the various responses. For definitions of terms, please see our glossary.
Factoring Questions
FAQs about Business Factoring
Factoring is the sale and purchase of accounts receivable at a discount. It’s a financing method used by businesses to generate capital.
You set up an account with Factor to sell invoices for goods or services sold and delivered and you’ll receive immediate cash advance rather than wait on your customer to pay. When your customer makes a payment, they’ll send it to the factor (in this case, us). Factor will then deduct the initial advance you received and applicable fees, and rebate the balance to you.
Yes. However, you must change the payment address to Factor’s. In some cases, Factor will send out invoices directly.
Your customer will be sent an official but friendly notice of where to send the payment and your invoice will also include Factor Funding’s address.
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No, only the customers whose invoices you factor will be contacted.
No, you can pick and choose which customer’s invoice to factor, however, acceptance shall be governed by guidelines as established in the factoring agreement.
That would require a non-notification factoring which is hardly available anymore. A non-notification factoring happens almost exclusively through major banks and subsidiaries, but often with much more stringent qualifying criteria and extra scrutiny—making such a request can even arouse questions about your client relations, you, and your organization.
But why wouldn’t you want them to know? Over recent decades, factoring has evolved to become a very fine financing strategy that is used by many astute managers in diverse industries—often in conjunction with or as a substitute for other financing methods. You might be surprised; your customer is already familiar and comfortable with the idea of factoring.
No, but the more the better—higher volume can translate to lower fees.
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There are many factors—such as industry, volume, payment terms, etc.—that may influence the rates. Generally, rates are between 1% and 3% per 30 days.
Advances are between 70% and 95% of the face value of eligible invoices and are established at the time an account is opened. Established advances will, for the most part, depend on risk factors such as industry, terms of sales and delivery, volume, lien priority, time outstanding, client relations, and experience.
The time and frequency of advances often depend on when and how frequently you submit invoices for funding, whether it is early or late, and how frequently you are paid (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Advances can be paid in any number of ways, but the typical way is by wire transfer. The other payment options are by automatic clearing house (ACH), teller deposit, check by mail, and payment on location.
Typically, reserves (balances) are released twice a month on the 15th and 30th, but they can be released more frequently as needed.
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A long-term contract is not usually required. But, it may be necessary in order to be viable and induce Factor to underwrite your funding and extend more favorable rates and terms to you.
You qualify if you are a legally registered business selling goods or services on terms to other credit-worthy and reputable businesses and you have full, unencumbered rights to receive payments from those reputable businesses.
One of the unique benefits of factoring is that eligibility is largely based on the credit-worthiness of your customers (the individual or organization who will be paying for the goods or services sold). There’s very little if any consideration at all on your credit. You may be eligible to factor even if you have some credit issues, an ongoing bankruptcy, loans, or other lines of credit.
Yes, the majority of factoring clients are small businesses and startups.
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Depending on your situation, it may take anywhere from 1–10 days to set up an account. A typical account can be set up in as little as 3 days. Funding can start within 24–48 hours of setting up your account.
To get started, you can submit an application along with some basic support documents. If approved, final documents will be completed for funding.
Typically, there are no application fees. However, many factors do charge due diligence fees in order to investigate and qualify your accounts for funding after initial review and acceptance.
The initial documents required to open an account typically include proof of business registration, photo identification of principals, customer lists, invoices, and copy of accounts receivable aging.
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Once you start factoring, Factor Funding will be responsible for doing all collections on funded invoices unless exceptions are made.
No—as long as you are located within the U.S., its territories, and Canada, there are no other geographic or territorial restrictions. We are also able to provide some international factoring.
You’ll receive regular reports. In most cases, you will have direct online access 24/7 to your reports using your very own unique access code. You can also request reports by fax, email, or phone.
It depends on how your account is set up. An account will be set up in one of two ways: recourse or non-recourse. A recourse account requires a guarantee that you will either buy back unpaid invoices, swap it out, or deduct the amount from your reserve funds in full or progressively until paid in full. With a non-recourse account, the loss will be absorbed under certain conditions.
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Yes, some form of guarantee will be required to affirm your integrity, representations, and warranties; the validity of your statements and documents; and attest that you will perform as per the terms and conditions of the agreement and not commit fraud.
To stop factoring, you should send notice of termination as per your agreement. After all accounts are paid in full and all obligations under the terms and conditions of the agreement have been satisfied, your remaining reserves and future receipts will be paid to you and a general release will be completed.
Perhaps it is because they do not have sufficient information. Or, they believe some of the misconceptions about factoring such as—it’s very expensive, like loan sharks, as it involves unscrupulous collection tactics and should not be used by small businesses except as a last resort to avoid liquidation. These are all false.
Factoring Questions
FAQs about Purchase Order Funding
Purchase order funding is short-term financing, payment, or payment assurance made to a supplier on behalf of a buyer to procure or produce and deliver goods that have been presold.
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If you have an order from a customer but lack the financial resources to fulfill it, you can request and receive advance funding on the order and repay with proceeds from the sale after completion or delivery.
Every transaction is unique. Therefore, the real cost of PO funding will depend on the specific and associated terms and conditions of the PO. The average cost of purchase order funding is about 5% of funds used, not including ancillary costs.
We will consider purchase order funding requests between $100K and $10 million.
All of the above, depending on the situation. Our preference is by letter of credit (LC).
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We will fund 100% of the costs of goods, or up to 70% value of PO toward the production of goods only. We will not fund soft costs such as labor except in rare cases.
No, funds or payment assurance will be issued directly to benefit your supplier.
Yes, in situations where there are multiple suppliers involved, we will issue payments to different suppliers within reason.
Easy! First, see that you meet the minimum criteria. Next, your product needs to be presold—but not on consignment—with a reasonable profit margin. The PO must be from a legally registered, credit-worthy business and noncancelable. It is essential that the product can be resold in the marketplace in case of recovery and payment, assurance, or guarantees can be made directly to your supplier.
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A completed application, a copy of your purchase order, the agreement between buyer and seller (where applicable), an invoice to the buyer, a supplier’s invoice, accounts receivable aging and accounts payable reports, and business financials.
In many cases, yes.
No. There is no application fee.
A purchase order funding timeline will vary anywhere 1–90 days or more depending on any number of factors, such as if it is the first funding, types of goods, production capacity, quantities ordered, value, funding criteria, and terms and conditions of sales and delivery. The average timeline is 7–10 days.
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Purchase order funding is provided as a discounted funding advance rather than as a loan. Since it is short-term financing provided to facilitate the fulfillment of orders, it is expected that it should be repaid immediately from the proceeds of the sale after delivery or thereabout. Therefore, the allowable time to repay purchase order advance will greatly depend on the terms and conditions of sales, production, delivery, and payment as accommodated by the lender. However, ideally, it will be paid in less than 45 days.
Yes, provided it is for the purchase of finished goods for direct delivery to the buyer.
No. You can fund one or as many transactions as you like. Each transaction is deemed independent of the other unless otherwise indicated.
Yes, some form of guarantee will be required to affirm your integrity, representations, and warranties; the validity of your statements and documents; and attest that you will perform as per the terms and conditions of the agreement and not commit fraud.
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Purchase order (PO) funding is made before goods or services are delivered to the buyer. Invoice funding is done after goods or services are delivered. They’re both short-term funding, but PO funding provides funds to facilitate the production, acquisition, and delivery of pre-sold goods while invoice funding provides expedited access to funds after delivery.
Factoring Questions
FAQs about Asset Based Loans
An asset-based loan is a loan that is secured by tangible and/or intangible assets—such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, real estate, and intellectual property. The loan is often a fractional value of the underlying asset. Ideally, the asset can be quickly and easily converted into cash if need be.
We will consider funding against virtually all manners of business assets—including accounts receivable, inventory, rolling stock, machinery, and real estate.
We will consider funding requests between $10K and $10 million, or higher in certain situations where we will advance at 50% value of the underlying assets.
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No. There is no application fee.
Each transaction is different. The costs of funds are determined based on several factors—including amount, duration, and level of risk.
Generally, most requests are evaluated upon receipt and initial determination rendered within 24–48 hours, typically closing in 2–4 weeks.
It varies. Typical short-term requirement is a 90-day minimum and maximum of 3 years. In some situations, companies have up to 60 months to repay.
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While we will look at the principal’s credit, approval will largely be based on the value of the underlying asset—and often in spite of cash flow, financial condition, sales history, or other conventional lending criteria.
To determine if you are eligible, please complete and submit our asset evaluation profile or call 866-245-0020. After review, a representative will contact you.
In many cases, yes.
Factoring Questions
FAQs about Equipment Finance and Lease Buyback
A lease is a written agreement for temporary use of property for a specified period with an agreed-upon payment.
We lease almost all types of equipment, from office equipment to heavy machinery—both new and used.
No down payment is required. However, to begin the lease, we require up to 2 months upfront payment applied toward your total lease payments.
No. There is no application fee.
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There are various monthly terms—12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 84, and in between.
The rate is determined based on credit history, cost of equipment, and duration of lease.
Service and maintenance responsibilities are usually the responsibility of the lessee and will be so stated in the lease agreement unless arranged otherwise. Insurance is also the responsibility of the lessee.
We consider leases between the ranges of $10K and $10 million.
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In most cases, a completely filled out application is enough to receive an initial decision. After review and acceptance, additional support documents such as financial statements and tax returns may be required.
Ideally, you need to be in business for a minimum of 2 years. However, there can be exceptions.
We look at several factors beyond credit—such as years in business—when reviewing an application.
Most lease applications are processed upon receipt and the initial decision is given within 24–48 hours.
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Yes, you can prepay at any time.
Yes, the option to upgrade and/or add more equipment is available and may be negotiated.
No. You can acquire the equipment from any vendor of your choice.
There are basically three options that can be exercised at the end of a lease. 1) Return the equipment. 2) Purchase the equipment at fair market value (FMV) or a nominal fixed rate. 3) Renew the lease.
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A buyout is an option you can exercise at the end of your lease.
There are many advantages and benefits to leasing instead of purchasing outright. Which is best for you will depend on your individual situation. For an explanation of general benefits and advantages for a business to lease, go to the Equipment Financing page.
Factoring Questions
FAQs about Debt Collection
Debt collection is the process by which outstanding or past due receivables are converted into cash.
Rates vary, but the average is about one-third of gross collections.
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Typically, there are NO upfront fees or costs. Payment is contingent on recovery, which means there is no payment unless collected.
It does not matter. Almost anyone can be located through skip tracing.
We can collect both personal and business debts.
No.
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There is a minimum of $100 and no maximum amount on any account placed for collections.
No—through our network of collectors we are able to provide services worldwide. We use locally licensed collectors, law firms, and/or attorneys.
Yes, provided the debt is within the statute of limitations and jurisdiction.
We can track down assets and take necessary legal steps to attach, seize, or lien identified properties, seek judgment, and recover.
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Yes, if it is necessary. However, most accounts are resolved without litigation.
No. Once an account has been placed, we require you to allow collection to proceed singularly and without interference.
Yes. We require an agreement to protect our mutual interests: yours, ours, and even the debtor’s.
There are various terms that depend on the types of accounts and individual needs—such as whether they are single or multiple debtors, month-to-month, 6 months, etc.
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After placement for collections, we generally see results within 30 days. However, every account is different and many will take longer.
You will receive payments on collected accounts the month following collections.
To get started, simply call us at 866-245-0020.
Factoring Questions
FAQs about Merchant Cash Advance
A merchant cash advance (MCA) is a lump sum cash advance provided to a business based on projected charge and debit card sales. It is repaid through daily deductions of a fixed percentage of credit and debit card sales receipts.
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No. Only businesses that accept credit and debit card payments, have a minimum of $4K per month in credit card sales receipts, have been in business for at least 9 months, have 6 months of processing statements, can provide at least 1 month of bank statements, have a physical place of business (not virtual), and have landlord verification in good standing are eligible.
Merchant cash advances are not loans but an advance against a business asset. So, there isn’t a principle or interest charge. Instead, the cost of the advance is a set fee based on risk factors.
The amount you receive will depend on your total credit and debit card sales. You can get an advance worth up to 6 months of credit and debit card sales receipts.
There is no fixed time limit to repay the advance because it is paid in daily deductions at a fixed percentage of credit and debit card sales receipts to accommodate fluctuations in sales. If business is good you pay more and if business is slow you pay less.
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Generally, no. How and what you use the funds for is entirely up to you provided it is reinvested in the business or interests.
It can be very fast from application through processing to funding, but it will vary from one client to another. It is generally between 1 and 7 days and longer in some cases.
Absolutely! You can prepay at any time without penalty.
No. There is no application fee, upfront cost, or out-of-pocket expense.
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Yes, simply to verify that there are no outstanding bankruptcies, prohibitive judgments, or encumbrances. Approval is largely based on the strength of your business rather than your credit score.
In most cases, no. You will not need to switch payment processors if your current processor has a business loan option and is equipped to process cash advance repayment. If not, switching can be easily done at no additional cost to you—and very likely at the same rate or lower than what you’re currently paying.
If you meet the minimum requirements above, call us at 866-245-0020.
It is the sale of consumer receivables (contracts or installment payments) by a business for an immediate lump sum cash advance.
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If you sell big-ticket items (goods or services) to individual consumers (not businesses) on finance or payment plans with interest, you can set up an account to receive an immediate lump sum payment on each sale even though your credit-approved buyer will still be given extended time to pay for their purchases.
The minimum is $500 and the maximum is $25,000. However, golf club memberships, vacation rentals, timeshares, and medical procedure accounts may be higher.
If your product or service costs more than the maximum per individual contract, an initial deposit or down payment may be required to bring the remaining balance to an acceptable range.
No, we only finance credit types A (excellent), B (good), and C (fair). You can put your D (bad) credit buyers into our servicing program. Call us at 866-245-0020 or see consumer receivable factoring for details.
Advances, discounts, reserves, and rebates are established at the time that your account is set up based on the type of business and associated risks. It will vary for each category of your customer credit types: A (excellent), B (good), and C (fair). Please contact us at 866-245-0020 or complete and submit the consumer finance profile for a customized quote.
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There are various term contracts available. The shortest is 4 months on the “Flex Pay Plan” and the longest is 72 months.
Yes, a small amount is held in reserve to offset defaults.
Excess reserves will be released twice a year after initial hold.
Yes—as a secondary funding source, possibly to fund the “rejects,” or accounts your primary funding source does not want, so you can get more sales. However, we would like to be your primary lender.
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Yes, we support 24/7 online application and instant decision while your customer is still in your store. If needed, a print application is also available.
We provide an instant decision within 5–7 seconds for applications submitted online and no more than 48 hours after review with applications submitted by fax, email, or mail.
To become a client, please complete and submit the initial consumer receivables funding evaluation. After review, a representative will contact you to discuss available options and terms. If accepted, final documents will be completed to approve your account for funding. Clients who do not meet our criteria may be referred to other finance associates.
After your completed application and full package are received—including the list of support documents and satisfaction of criteria—and due diligence is complete, your application goes to the credit committee for approval. This process will take about 2–3 weeks.
Loan servicing is the method by which a firm collects and processes payments from debtors on behalf of other lenders or creditors.
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You set up a contract to collect on your customers’ outstanding receivables for a flat fee per account or an agreed percentage of collected payments based on credit types. Other ancillary services—such as letters, phone calls, delinquent notices, skip traces, 24/7 online account reports, and complete portfolio accounting—are included at no additional cost.
Yes. We require at least $500 per month in servicing fees.
Factoring Questions
FAQs about Settlement Funding
A lawsuit cash advance is non-recourse funding made to a plaintiff or potential litigant that will be repaid with proceeds from the case if it is resolved.
Non-recourse means that if the case never settles, is dismissed, or you lose, you won’t have to repay anything!
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Lawsuit cash advances can be made on virtually all types of cases involving provable personal injury caused by a thing, person, or organization as a result of negligence, malpractice, or defective equipment.
The amount you can receive will mostly depend on your needs and the probable value of your claim. Typically, advances will be limited to no more than 20% of the value up to $1 million.
Since a cash advance is not a loan, there is no principle or interest rate. The cost is calculated based on determined risks.
No. There is no application fee, upfront cost, or out-of-pocket expense to you.
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No, you do not need good credit because lawsuit cash advances are based on the merit of your claim and not your credit report (unless there is a pending bankruptcy). Additionally, a lawsuit cash advance is not reported to the credit bureau and does not go on your credit.
No, a job is not required.
It is a lawsuit cash advance and not a loan. The cash advance is made contingent on your case’s settlement. There is no repayment time limit, no matter how long it takes for your case to be resolved. You’re not required to make a payment schedule either (unless and until your case is resolved). The advance will be repaid from the proceeds of your case. If your case never goes to trial, settles, is dismissed, or you lose, then you won’t have to pay anything.
No, what and how you use the cash is entirely up to you.
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You can get the money in as little as 1–7 days. Depending on how fast the necessary documents are provided and processed, the application process to funding can happen very quickly.
No—there will be no monthly payment schedule required. You’ll repay the advance from the proceeds of your claim if and only after your case is resolved—or never if it is not.
You may get additional funds if your case warrants it, based on the value of your case and provided it is below the estimated 20% maximum advance threshold.
Possibly, if the value of your case warrants it.
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No, we do not get involved or interfere in your case except as it relates to your lawsuit cash advance. All other matters in your case are completely up to you and your attorney or legal team.
No, we will not give you legal advice.
You’ll pay absolutely nothing if your case never settles, goes to trial, is dismissed, or is lost. That means the cash advance is free because it was provided contingent on the potential settlement on your case but is not guaranteed.
For your case to be considered, you must have professional legal representation.
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To apply, simply complete and submit a lawsuit cash advance request and it will be promptly processed for funding.
A structured settlement is a legally approved payment obligation that is spread out over time and created as a result of settlement from a lawsuit, other award, or claims.
It is a lump sum cash advance, or a portion thereof, given in lieu of regularly scheduled payments. In other words, instead of waiting to collect periodic payments, you can elect to receive a lump sum cash advance by selling portions of or all future payments at a discount.
Yes, it is legal. Any recipient of a structured settlement may elect to sell their scheduled structured settlement payments at a discount and receive an immediate lump sum payment. However, it must be approved and authorized by a judge.
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How much you receive will depend on several factors, such as the total amount of your original settlement, the number of payments remaining, the date each payment is scheduled to be made, the interest rate, and the number of scheduled payments you would like to receive immediate cash against. There is a specific method that is used to estimate how much you can receive. Simply gives us a call or complete and submit a settlement funding request.
Along with a settlement funding request, please provide copies of the following: your award (annuity contract), your settlement agreement, and your identification.
The timeline for approval and funding will vary depending on the requirements of your state of residence and when a judge can review your request. On average, it is about 30 days and sometimes longer.
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To apply, call 866-245-0020 or simply complete and submit a settlement funding request.
Still Have Questions? Contact Us
Fill out this form to get in touch with us. We have years of experience in helping companies grow faster by means of smart funding solutions, so let’s strategize together. You’ll be surprised how much it will help you, your employees, and your customers in the long run.
You can expect zero obligation and no cost up front – just fast response times. If you like what you hear and you’re ready to get started, we’re here for you. We can’t wait to see the new heights your business will reach when you elect to partner with our factoring company.